Resistance device



Sept. 13, 1932. 5 RUBEN RESISTANCE DEVICE Filed Sept. 17, 1928 WWW"; o J.W 1 4 T W xvii/l guvewtoz JANUE L RUBEN 331;; M abfowut Patented Sept.13, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SAMUEL RUBEN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.,ASSIGNOR TO RUBEN PATENTS COMPANY, OF

NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE RESISTANCE DEVICE QApplication filed September 17, 1928. Serial .ll'o. 306,808.

This invention relates to an electrical resistor, and more particularlyit relates to a variable resistance device utilizing the change ofcontact resistance of an electronically conductive oxide compound forcurrent control. An object of the invention is the provision of avariable resistance device, the resistance value of which varies withchanges of ressure only.

f a copper body having on its surface an integrally formed dense,homogeneous layer of cuprous oxide, as one electrode, is in surfacecontact with another metallic electrode and pressure is applied betweenthe electrodes, the contact resistance at the junction of these membersvaries with the pressure applied. 1

It is necessary to have as one electrode a copper base with such inteally formed, homogeneous, dense, crystal 'ne layer of cuprous oxide;this cuprous oxide layer must be opposite to a contacting conductivematerial as the other electrode. Without such a layer on the firstelectrode, formed as described, the oxide does not withstand mechanicaland thermomechanical effects.

It is also necessary that the contact between the electrodes be uponsurfaces as flat as may be practicable to obtain. For a betterunderstanding of the invention reference is made to the accompanyingdrawing of one embodi-' ment thereof, in which Fig. 1 shows anelevation, partly in section','of a resistance device, and Fig. 2 a planview partly cut away.

In the drawing at 1 is a copper plateelectrode at the lower side ofwhich is a layer of fused cuprous oxide 2, the other electrode being analuminum plate 3, in adjustable relationship with the cuprous oxidesurface 2. The pressure between the contacting surfaces is varied bymeans of screw 5. The terminals of the two electrodes are respectivelyat T and T All the members are mounted upon an insulation covered shell4:, composed of bakelite. e

What I claim is: p

1. An electrical resistance device comprising an electrode composed of aconductive material and a contacting electrode of copper having upon itssurface adjacent to the other prous oxide and means for varying theresistance of the cuprous oxide material by varying the surface pressurebetween the first mentioned electrode and the cuprous oxide.

3. A variable electrical resistance device comprising an electrodecomposed of a conductive material in surface contact with anotherelectrode composed of a copper base having an integrally formedhomogeneous crystalline layer of cuprous oxide, and means for varyingthe pressure between the electrodes.

In testimony whereof, SAMUEL RUBEN has signed his name to thisspecification this 14th day of September, 1928.

- SAMUEL RUBEN.

